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<p>As the Noble Lord is aware, planning policy is a transferred matter in Northern
Ireland and the Department for Infrastructure has responsibility for regional planning
policy and legislation.</p><p> </p><p>We note the concerns raised about the performance
of the planning system in Northern Ireland in the Northern Ireland Audit Office report.
The concerns raised in the report highlight the need for functioning devolved institutions
as envisaged and enabled by the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement, delivering on key issues
like ensuring Northern Ireland has an effective planning system that meets the needs
of businesses and the public.</p><p> </p><p>The UK Government is committed to growing
and levelling up the Northern Ireland economy, which is why more than £3.5bn has been
provided in recent years, in addition to the Northern Ireland Executive’s block grant,
through the New Deal for Northern Ireland, City and Growth Deals, PEACE PLUS and the
New Decade, New Approach financial package. Furthermore, following the 2021 Spending
Review the Government is providing the largest funding settlement to the Northern
Ireland Executive since devolution in 1998, totalling £15 billion on average per year,
for the next 3 years. This means that public spending is able to be maintained at
some 21% higher per capita than the UK average.</p><p> </p>
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